Iron Man 2

Six months ago, Tony Stark (Downey Jr.), CEO of massive military defence company Stark Industries and superhero, revealed his identity to the world. A billionaire narcissist, he is convinced that he is untouchable.

However, a sinister Russian named Ivan Vanko (Rourke) has smuggled himself into America, having developed a suit of his own, and is out for revenge. Vanko’s father worked alongside Tony’s in Stark Industries but was deported to Soviet Russia. After nearly killing Tony, Vanko is arrested, but his talent is spotted by Justin Hammer (Rockwell), Tony’s rival weapons manufacturer. He elaborately fakes Vanko’s death in a prison explosion, allowing Vanko to remain hidden and prepare his revenge whilst making an army of Iron Man replica suits for Hammer.

Tony is slowly being poisoned by the palladium core that powers his Iron Man suit, and, convinced that his time is near, celebrates with a wild, drunken birthday party. As he grows increasingly violent, his friend Lt. Colonel James Rhodes (Cheadle) confiscates one of the suits and delivers it to the military so that it can be used responsibly. Despite his good intentions, Rhodes later learns that there are dark forces at work. Realising the danger he is in, Tony leaves Stark Industries to seek a cure for his illness and appoints his PA Pepper Potts (Paltrow) as CEO.

If you enjoyed previous Marvel films such as X-Men or, indeed, the first Iron Man, you must see Iron Man 2. This is an explosive, action-packed sequel that is well worth a watch. There are plenty of elaborate fight scenes, great one-liners and even an appearance from Samuel L. Jackson. Robert Downey Jr. is a fabulous Tony Stark; loud, vain and over the top. If nothing else, you should check out Iron Man 2 just for his good looks.

Sophie Carroll